Rorippa columbiae is a species of flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae known by the common names Columbian yellowcress and Columbia yellow cress. Distribution It is native to the western United States from central Washington to northeastern California, where it grows in moist to wet, sandy habitat types, such as playas (dry lakes). It is not a common plant; it is known from about fifteen occurrences in the Modoc Plateau region of California, it is a candidate for protection in Oregon, and it is state-listed as a threatened species in Washington. Description Rorippa columbia is a perennial herb growing prostrate to erect, its densely hairy stems reaching 10 to 40 centimeters in maximum length. The leaves are deeply lobed, the lobes sometimes cut all the way to the midrib. Lower leaves are borne on petioles; upper leaves have bases that clasp the stem. The mustardlike flowers have small yellow petals. The fruit is a plump, hairy silique a few millimeters long containing many minute seeds. References External links Jepson Manual Treatment of Rorippa columbiae USDA Plants Profile for Rorippa columbiae Flora of North America: Rorippa columbiae Washington Burke Museum Rorippa columbiae — U.C. Photo gallery columbiae Flora of California Flora of Oregon Flora of Washington (state) Flora of the Great Basin Flora without expected TNC conservation status